Metal Mouth Message Board

After many years of wishing I had received ortho treatment the journey begins today. I can't believe it's actually here. After having spacers in for a few hours I may wish I had waited until next year.

Any advice for a newbie just getting started? Braces go on next Thursday, so I'm getting myself all ready to do this. Thanks for all of your support and informative posts.

prepare for alot of changes.
first week requires alot of getting use to.

i found going through the 'braces story' section in this forum giving me alot of inspiration for my journey.

good luck =]

Congrats!! Wishing you a "worth it" journey!! Because, in the end, it will be worth it! I got braced five days ago, and am doing pretty good!! I did not have spacers, so I can't give you advice there, but good luck!
eagle

Braces is a lot better than having spacers...

Well Done for taking the first step. I wish you luck with your treatment. I've had my braces a week today so I'm eager to see some changes very soon. I recommend asking your ortho to supply you with plenty of wax!! My experience so far, is no aches or pain at all, just the dreaded ulcers!!

Good Luck from me too.

Julie

I went in for my ten minute appt to get spacers on the uppers and they could only get one spacer in due to the crowding and tightness. They put in some type of spring on the side where they couldn't get the spacer in.

The asst. did tell me that they may not be able to band me next Thursday as was planned, but that they would still be able to put the brackets on.

Does this make sense? I thought they had to have the band on the back in order to put the wire in. Is she telling me I will have brackets on my teeth but no wire. I don't think I like that idea.

Thanks to all for your responses and support--it means a lot.

It's all so confusing. My ortho had problems getting 2 of my 7 spacers in, due to my teeth being closely packed together. He sent me off shopping for half an hour so that he could have another go. They did go in eventually.

The following week I had the brackets on and the wires the week after that. I think they just like to do a bit at a time so that you're not overcome with it all going in at once. I didn't think he'd stand a chance of getting the brackets on but the spacers worked a treat.

I hope yours goes to plan and that you're soon on the road.

Good Luck.

Julie

I got my spacers in (8 of them) early this morning and have had them in about 10 hours and although they are a little uncomfortable I can't say they are painful. Just feels like something is stuck in your teeth and you want to floss it out. Eating is tricky because I cannot bite all the way down on 1 side and I can feel the spacer on the other side on the top.
Good luck and keep updating.

Jared--

I got eight spacers on the top teeth last Tuesday (6/6/06), and the second day was definitely the worst for me! I can't say they were really "painful", but more like a dull ache when you touch the teeth together. Tylenol helps a lot, for the times you have to be at work, or school, etc. After five days, I barely notice them anymore!

I've also heard that spacers are probably one of the worst parts of treatment...so don't get discouraged!

Patience, patience, patience!